The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151
The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals.
A Fire of Historic Proportions
This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.
At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a contractor.
"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.
The Probe and Its Consequences
The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.
On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could last several weeks.
Shortcomings Uncovered
Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.
The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments.
Demands for Probe and Detentions
Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.
A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, as reported by local media reports.
International Reaction
The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.
"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.
Background and Resident Profile
Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.
Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.
The city's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 individuals died.
